Summary

Clinicians need to recognize they are not the best judge of what is important to patients in order to become effective change advocates in the dental hygiene environment. Weinstein, et al, recently found when patient values and dentist perceptions were examined, the dentists’ perceptions were not closely matched to patient values.11 Extensive literature clearly demonstrates that values/beliefs, perceived susceptibility, social and family norms, cultural differences, lifestyle values and current perceived needs are important factors in motivation.